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Wednesday, June 1, 2016

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – May 24, 2016 – The Maryland Fire-Rescue
Services Memorial Foundation is honored to invite the state’s fire and rescue
service personnel, the public and media to attend its 11th annual memorial
service for the state’s fire and rescue personnel who made the ultimate
sacrifice. This year, one fallen hero will be added to the Wall of Honor.

“We remember our fallen each year with heavy hearts,”
said Chief Gene Worthington, president of the Foundation. “It is always a sad
occasion when we have to add a name to the wall, but it is important that we
honor our brothers and sisters who willingly gave of themselves to help others.
This wall is a promise that we place their bravery, and their families, in our
hearts forever.”

The service will be Sunday, June 5, 2016, at 2 p.m. at
the Maryland Emergency Services Memorial Park, 101 Calvert St. in Annapolis.
Nationally known fire service leader and Eastport Volunteer Fire Company
President Al Kirchner will serve as the memorial’s keynote speaker. A full fire
department honor guard will escort the sea of blue to the ceremony and a
Maryland State Police flyover is scheduled.

The Maryland Fire-Rescue Memorial is a commemorative park
that includes a sculpture and memorial wall listing the names of more than 400
Maryland heroes. Learn about the Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation at www.mdfirerescuehero.orgor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MDFIRERESCUEHERO.

Today is June 1, 2016, the Safety First Day of the Month. Having a working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm could be the difference in life or death - yours and your family. Today is the day that the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department has designated for everyone to test their smoke and CO alarms. It's simple:

Push the TEST button on the front cover of your smoke and CO alarm.

An audible beeping noise SHOULD sound. If it does, congratulations, your done until next month.

If it does not sound an audible alarm - replace the battery. Push the TEST button again - still no alarm - remove the alarm and immediately replace with a new 10-year, tamper proof, with hush feature smoke or CO alarm or better yet a 10-year combination smoke/CO alarm.

If your alarms are at about 10 years old or you don't remember if you ever replaced the alarm, do it today!!! Smoke and CO alarms work all day - every day and will wear down over their 10 year service life.

County Law requires a working smoke alarm in your home. Over the next two years the law will continue to evolve to require a working 10-year smoke alarm on every level of your home, primarily outside of sleeping areas.

County Law currently requires a working CO detector on every level of your home, primarily, outside of sleeping areas. This law includes all homes with a gas service (natural, propane, oil, etc), a fireplace or an attached garage. This law also requires that all hotels, motels, dormitories and all apartments and condos have working CO alarms.

Have you ever noticed that it is sometimes a challenge to reach your alarms installed on your ceiling or high on the wall. Perhaps you use a step-ladder or stand tall on your toes to reach the test button. Think about your senior citizen neighbors and relatives that may have difficulty even reaching a light switch. Test their alarms for them every month, change their batteries at least once-a-year and contact 311 for them if they need a new 10-year smoke alarm installed by firefighters, free of charge.

Don't wait for a firefighter to knock on your door. If you need a working smoke alarm and can not afford to purchase one, call 311 and ask about the free smoke alarm program.

ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN COUNTY

During the month of June you will see many neighboring jurisdiction selling fireworks. While they be legal to sell and use in those jurisdictions, all fireworks in Prince George's County are illegal to use. More to come on this subject later this month.

The month of June ushers us into summer and warmer temperatures. A quick reminder of life-saving actions:

1. Never leave children or pets in cars. Heat stroke can occur within minutes and sickness or death will occur very quickly.

2. During our hazy, hot and humid days - remember to drink plenty of water. Its how our firefighters and medics stay hydrated and are able to work in hot temperatures. HHH2 - "Hazy, Hot and Humid = Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate."

3. Always practice good fire safety habits when discarding cigarettes but pay particular attention when days are labeled "Red Flag" days where fires can start easily and spread rapidly.

Grill Safety

It is anticipated that many backyard barbecue's will be in use throughout the summer months. The PGFD recommend that you exercise caution and keep safety in mind when setting up, using and cleaning your BBQ grill. Did you know that cooking, most notably "unattended cooking" is the number one cause of fires and fire related injuries in Prince George's County, this includes both inside and outside cooking: WATCH WHAT YOU HEAT!!!

•NEVER use a grill indoors including garages, overhangs and canopies

•By Law - Grills must be at least 30 feet away from any multi-family apartment dwelling.

•When using a grill at your single family home – homeowners should use a 10-foot perimeter from anything combustible – including your house!!! Never place a grill up against your house, wood deck or fence.

•In Prince George’s County - all grills are illegal to use on balconies of apartments and condominium apartments

•Do not allow children and pets to play near a grill - set up a 10 foot safety zone around your grill.

•Only use approved ignition fluids – NEVER use gasoline to ignite a grill

•Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand nearby to douse a grill fire that gets out of control.

•Inspect your grill before you ignite to ensure everything is in working order. This inspection includes all connections on your gas grills are tight and not leaking.

Charcoal ashes and used briquettes should be disposed of in a metal container and allowed to cool down for up to 48 hours before disposal. Keep ash container off of your wood deck and away from your house.

Swim Safely

It is anticipated that thousands of residents will be taking full advantage of swimming pools. Keeping safety first will help to prevent such a festive occasion from becoming a tragedy. You should know that 75% of drownings occur in backyard pools.

For parents:

•Always watch your children and never leave them unattended. A lack of adult supervision is one of the leading contributing factors to children drowning.

•Do not rely on flotation devices to protect your children from drowning. You must supervise at all times.

•Have life saving equipment nearby such as life rings or reaching poles

CPR and AED

As previously mentioned in swimming pool safety, everyone should take the time how to learn how to perform CPR and use an AED. You can call 301-864-LIVE (5483) and find locations that teach CPR/AED or click here for additional information.

LODD April 15, 2016

Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant John "Skillet" Ulmschneider

Donate to Sparky Fire Fund

Tragically firefighters will find pets that have been injured in home fires. Sometimes owners are not availiable to bring their pet to a emergency vet or may not have the resources to afford medical care. The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department and the Anne Arundel County SPCA have teamed up and created a fund whereas medical care for the pet would be covered in part or in full.
Please consider donating today. Please designate your donation to the Sparky Fire Fund.
Click here to donate - designate Sparky Fire Fund